Bill > S1941

This bill establishes a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States through multiple interconnected programs. The bill creates a Hepatitis C Elimination Program within the Department of Health and Human Services that will develop a national strategy, establish an advisory committee with diverse stakeholders, and create an interagency working group to coordinate efforts. A key component is a subscription program that will allow the government to negotiate with drug manufacturers to purchase unlimited hepatitis C treatments at a fixed annual cost, which will be distributed to various populations at high risk, including Medicaid and CHIP enrollees, individuals in correctional facilities, people without health insurance, and those receiving care through Indian health programs. The bill provides $5.5 billion in funding for the hepatitis C treatment program and an additional $4.283 billion for related public health activities, such as state grants for outreach, screening, and treatment coordination, as well as specific targeted programs for community health centers, tribal areas, and opioid treatment programs. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to eliminate cost-sharing for hepatitis C treatments in Medicare and ensures that the program is available primarily to U.S. citizens and certain categories of legal residents. The overall goal is to dramatically increase access to hepatitis C screening and treatment, particularly among populations with historically limited healthcare access.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1941/all-info